Monday, 19 November 2007

The motorway connecting Beijing with the coast was shut because of 'fog', (smog, pollution, crap, etc) so we had to go on a smaller road. It was a hellish 5hr journey through what appeared to be a thick blanket of cement dust. It covered everything from people to trees for as far as the eye could see. We guessed it may have had something to do with the Olympics and the fact that they are not quite ready for it next year. Despite this bad start we did have some quality migration birding although several sky- watching days were lost due to smog filled skies. Click on pictures for bigger image.

The Saunders quarter the beach on the look out for crabs. When they spot one they drop like a stone on to it and precede to tear its legs off, swallowing each one whole. Then they swallow the carapace whole. Only the more determined crabs are spared.